In 2009–11, male life expectancy at birth was highest in East Dorset (83.0 years); 9.2 years higher than in Blackpool, which had the lowest figure (73.8 years).

For females, life expectancy at birth was also highest in East Dorset at 86.4 years and lowest in Manchester where females could expect to live for 79.3 years.

According to 2009–11 mortality rates, approximately 91% of baby boys and 94% of girls in East Dorset at birth will reach their 65th birthday. The comparable figures were 77% and 86% in Blackpool and Manchester respectively.

The gap between the local areas with the highest and lowest life expectancy was wider for males than for females but there was no significant change in this inequality between 2005–07 and 2009–11.

The distribution of life expectancy across England was characterised by a north-south divide, with people in local areas in the north generally living shorter lives than those in the south.

In 2009–11, approximately 32% of local areas in the East, 45% in the South East and 22% in the South West were in the fifth of areas with the highest male life expectancy at birth. In contrast, there was no local area in the North East, North West and Wales in this group. A similar pattern was observed for females.

In this release

Life expectancy at birth and at age 65 by local areas in England and Wales

The United Kingdom Statistics Authority has designated these statistics as National Statistics, in accordance with the Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007 and signifying compliance with the Code of Practice for Official Statistics.

Designation can be broadly interpreted to mean that the statistics:

meet identified user needs;

are well explained and readily accessible;

are produced according to sound methods; and

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Once statistics have been designated as National Statistics it is a statutory requirement that the Code of Practice shall continue to be observed.